Theatermuseum, Österreichisches#

Theatre Museum, Austrian: In 1923 the theatrical collection was organised as a part of the Austrian National Library; The basis of the collection was comprised of the Baroque festival literature compiled under the heading "Ludi", the stage equipment of the Palatina library, and the largest private theatrical collection, bought in 1922 from Hugo Thimig. Ongoing purchases of theatre libraries, stage models, and theatrical costumes, as well as the acquisition of autograph collections and estates, continue to expand the collection.

From 1931-1938 the Austrian Theatre Museum was housed in the left wing of the Burgtheater as part of its theatrical collection and from 1943 in the Hofburg (entrance at Michaelerkuppel dome). In 1975 it was established at Hanuschgasse 3 in Vienna´s first district, where mementos of actors have been kept since 1991. In 1991 the Austrian Theatre Museum opened in the renovated Lobkowitz Palace in the first district of Vienna, and the theatre collection of the Austrian National Library was incorporated into it.

Stock (1999): 73,000 books, 5,500 manuscripts, 105,000 hand-done drawings, 66,000 autographs, 12,000 graphics, 1,000 stage models, 650 costumes, 2,000 museum objects, 8,000 audio-visual media exhibits, about 700,000 theatre and film photographs, and more than 300,000 theatre handbills and film posters.

Directors: J. Gregor (1923-1954), F. Hadamowsky (1954-1966), J. Mayerhoefer (1966-1979), O. Pausch (1980-1997), H. Dostal (since 1998).

Literature#